Isn't it great to know that we can do home improvements and DIY projects, without damaging the environment? Lists of Bamboo flooring pros and cons highlight that this is an environmentally friendly remodeling option, provided that you choose wisely.
In addition, every consumer has to be super careful when deciding how to use home improvement funds. This is where Bamboo flooring pros and cons also point to a winner, compared to hardwood.
Let's run through 12 top Bamboo flooring pros and cons
Many of us love hardwood, but it hurts to know that it takes a tree between 30 and 100 years to reach maturity. In the case of Bamboo floors, we can rest assured that we are using a renewable resource. Bamboo is a type of grass, so it grows fairly rapidly. Because of this, Bamboo has a harvesting cycle that stretches over 5 to 7 years - sounds a lot better than 100 years, doesn't it?
Bamboo can be very resilient, as long as you opt for a quality product. So, in terms of durability, it stands up quite well.
While Bamboo is durable, it can chip or be otherwise damaged if you are not careful. This just means that you have to handle the floors with common sense. Simple measure such as doormats to collect grit, being careful with spiked heels and placing felt pads underneath furniture feet can all help in this department.
Carbonized Bamboo has a rich, dark color, but remember that it is softer as a result of the process it goes through. So, if you want a really hard Bamboo, opt for one of the other variants with more natural shading.
As with hardwood, installing Bamboo flooring gives you loads of options. You can choose from a variety of shades, styles, grains and textures. You will soon become familiar with terms such as strand-woven or hand scraped Bamboo flooring and engineered Bamboo flooring. Take your time and get your hands on some free Bamboo flooring samples to help you in the decision making process.
Bamboo can be a tad softer underfoot than hardwood. This means that if you use it in areas where you will be standing for longer periods, it can be more comfortable.
Bamboo flooring pros and cons also include ease of installation on the positive side. These days, you can choose a DIY floating floor if you wish. These planks don't require glue or nails. The tongue and groove technology allows you to click the planks together. This has become a popular project for do it yourself enthusiasts.
On the cons side, it is not a good idea to install Bamboo flooring in a bathroom or other high humidity area. As with hardwood, you can experience a problem with swelling and warping of the floor if you ignore this rule. Make sure what type of installation is covered under the warranty.
Maintenance is fairly easy. Make sure that moisture is dried immediately. For daily maintenance, a dry mop is sufficient. A slightly damp mop can be used on spots if necessary, but make sure you dry the floor thoroughly afterwards. Again, you should check with the supplier to make sure you follow the maintenance instructions carefully. If you ignore these, you may void your warranty.
While installation costs will be more or less the same as with hardwood, Bamboo itself is less expensive. So this may be a more affordable option than hardwood. In fact, with a wholesale product, the cost can be up to 50% less than hardwood! Now, I could go for that!
Allergy sufferers will love the fact that the Bamboo flooring pros and cons list mentions them! These floors are much better than carpeting in terms of attracting dust and mites.
Floating Bamboo floors can be installed over virtually any sub-floor, saving you money and time in the process.
One negative to remember, is that some brands may sport a high formaldehyde level. This is a facet you must remember to check carefully with your supplier. High formaldehyde levels are a no-no, both in terms of your health and the environment.
As you can see, when listing Bamboo flooring pros and cons, the plus side seems to outweigh the down side. As there are so many options available to you, it is a good idea to do some thorough homework before making a buying decision.
From the home remodeling desk of Rika Susan
